Burma's economy 2009: disaster, recovery...and reform?

This article analyzes the current state of Burma's economy and the possibilities for reform. The serial underperformer of the region, Burma's emergence in recent years as a significant regional exporter of natural gas has created the potential for economic progress. Thus far this potential has yet to be realized, however, in a country whose economic policy-making framework remains one of dirigisme. In 2008, Burma's economy was dealt a further blow when the country was struck by Cyclone Nargis. This article begins by examining the economic impact of Nargis before moving on to examine the longer-term reforms required to restore prosperity to this all-too-often forgotten country.